Critics were asked to list 10 albums in descending order, with 10 points awarded for their 1, nine for 2, etc. (On ballots where choices were listed alphabetically, each received 5.5 points.) The first bold number indicates total points; the number in parentheses is the tally of ballots on which a CD appeared, which was used as a tiebreaker.

Critics were asked to list three reissues in descending order, with three points awarded for 1, two for 2, and one for 3. The first bold number indicates total points; the number in parentheses tallies ballots on which a CD appeared, which was used as a tiebreaker.

Best Vocal Album

1. Dee Dee Bridgewater, Red Earth (EmArcy) 8

Abbey Lincoln, Abbey Sings Abbey (Verve) 8

3. Kurt Elling, Nightmoves (Concord) 4

4. Andy Bey, Ain’t Necessarily So (12th Street) 3

Mark Murphy, Love Is What Stays (Verve) 3

Best Debut Album

1. Tyshawn Sorey, That/Not (Firehouse 12) 11

2. Amir ElSaffar, Two Rivers(Pi) 3

Antonio Sanchez, Migration(Camjazz) 3

Best Latin Album

1. Bobby Sanabria,Big Band Urban Folktales (Jazzheads) 11

2. Paquit o D’Rivera, Funk Tango (Sunnyside) 3

For Best Vocal, Debut, and Latin Jazz albums, critics were asked to name one album apiece, with no point system.